As the Golden State Warriors navigate the offseason, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, stepping into a new era without Klay Thompson, who has been a cornerstone of their success since 2011. Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal this July, a move that has reshaped the Warriors' roster and organizational plans.
Despite the absence of Thompson, Golden State retains a significant core of talent, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr. This core will be crucial as the team repositions itself following last season's disappointment, where they fell to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament.
New Additions and Potential Trades
To fortify their lineup, the Warriors have welcomed several new faces, such as Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, in particular, has been noted for his scoring capabilities, potentially filling the offensive gap left by Thompson's departure. Reflecting on his move, Hield stated, "I watched these guys play my whole [time] in college, even in the pros. When they play, they are a fun team to watch because of the ball movement and the way Steph, Draymond, Andrew [Wiggins], and the way coach Steve [Kerr] coaches. I just feel that it's a good fit, but everything takes time to learn it. It shouldn't be that hard."
The Warriors also explored trade possibilities, engaging in discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, the negotiations stalled as the asking price, including second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks, was deemed too high. The Warriors ultimately ceased talks, refusing to part with key young players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelmingly favorable offer.
Financial Maneuvering
In an effort to avoid substantial luxury tax penalties, Golden State has been strategic with their financial decisions. Releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed helped the Warriors reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. Since the 2013-14 season, the team has incurred a staggering $677 million in penalties. The team's cautious financial approach is aimed at maintaining competitiveness while mitigating tax burdens.
Leadership and Contract Extensions
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to exert significant influence within the organization's framework. Curry, who emphasized his desire to remain competitive, remarked, "I want to win. Let's put it this way, it's a long-winded way of saying that if it is a situation where you're a bottom feeder and it's just because you want to stay there, I'd have a hard time with that. But I don't think that's going to be the reality."
While Curry has the option to extend his contract for an additional year worth up to $62.2 million by summer, younger players like Kuminga and Moses Moody are expected to take on more prominent roles this season. Both Kuminga and Moody are eligible for five-year extensions in October, and they could become unrestricted free agents if they do not sign extensions after next season. Kuminga’s potential deal could be worth up to $224 million, underscoring his value to the franchise.
Changes in Coaching Staff
The Warriors are also dealing with significant changes within their coaching staff. The departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic necessitated new hires. The team has brought in Terry Stotts, known for his offensive expertise, and Jerry Stackhouse, whose defensive acumen was honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Overall, the organization remains optimistic about the future, despite the challenges and changes faced. A front office source described the current situation as "actually really fun," reflecting the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming season. Mike Dunleavy further emphasized the team's confidence in its young talent, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
As the Warriors transition into this new phase, their blend of seasoned leaders and promising young talent will be pivotal in shaping their path forward, with fans eagerly anticipating how this recalibrated roster will perform in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA.